Big Fourth Quarter Gives Warriors the Win

Westcliff women's basketball team was trying to get back on track after dropping their previous game, as they finished off this road trip.

The Warriors were hoping to finish even on this road trip as they visited Embry-Riddle on Sunday afternoon.

It wasn't easy.

But after a huge fourth quarter to finish the comeback, Westcliff was victorious 71-65.

The Warriors found themselves in a battle in the first quarter as both teams couldn't take the lead by more than four points. 

The second quarter played out in a similar fashion until the end when Embry-Riddle was able to pull ahead and finish the half with a five-point lead.

Turnovers made it difficult for the Warriors to make any runs as they found themselves down 50-38 with two minutes to go in the third quarter.

Heading into the fourth quarter Westcliff was looking at a double-digit deficit, 55-46.

But as we heard many times from the coaches, this team doesn't give up because they do not like losing.

Westcliff's assistant coach Mary Dishoian shared her thoughts after the game: " Definitely in the second half, it was defensive energy, defensive enthusiasm, and heart. We didn't give up."

Things got interesting in the fourth quarter as Trinity Vasquez sank two free throws from the charity strike early on.

And then it would just be an incredible display from Vasquez for the remainder of the period.

Vasquez was able to get anywhere she wanted on the floor and take the shots she wanted.

It was a complete takeover which was the spearhead as Westcliff made its run to come back and make it a ball game.

The Warriors took the lead after a layup from Vasquez with two minutes left.

But it wasn't just the scoring that was clicking but the Warriors' defensive intensity that was very effective down the stretch.

After taking the lead, Westcliff made sure to keep their intensity up and was able to finish strong to get a big win.

"Defensive rebounds and offensive rebounds is definitely something that we need to focus on," said Dishoian. "Just clean up the little things like boxing out and we should be solid."

Both teams finished with 30 rebounds and were also pretty even with assists as the Warriors had one less, 19-20.

Vasquez was huge as she finished with a game-high 27 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

She shot the ball at a high efficiency making 71% of her field goal attempts and making her only three-pointer too.

17 of her points came in the fourth quarter and were a big part of the Warriors' comeback.

Eva Taylor finished with 19 points, four rebounds, and a steal. She made five three-pointers and continues shooting well from everywhere on the floor. 

With the win, the Warriors finished their road trip and head back home where they will have a couple of days before they play again on Jan. 21.

Saturday's game will tip off at 5:30 PM.